The local fans would argue that they did not face the calibre of opposition that New Zealand and South Africa had (namely, each other) but Fiji were the not phased at all on day one of the Wellington Sevens and they looked good to go all the way.
Their pace, size and all round team play were superior to anything on display on day one.
Fijian Sevens Team looking good on day one
William Ryder scored a hat full of tries, there was a lot of cohesion on the back moves and they were able to probe successfully around the rucks and out wide.
The test for Fiji will come tomorrow when they face South Africa, who also looked good on day 1 but are still without 2 of their key players who are out with injury. So this was a very good effort for those playing to push New Zealand to the degree that they did. This game was not decided until the last minute when Kurt Baker ran onto a pass from DJ Forbes. Forbes Lote Raikabula, had engineered a turnover 20 metres out from the South African line.
The Kiwis had done a lot of defending in the match.
They probably did the Kiwis a favour though by providing the reality check jolt that comes from being driven to the edge.
The other standout from Day 1 was Samoa. Not as convincing as Fiji but very capable all the same. Mikaele Pesamino was in devastating form making cover tackles and then, only seconds later, popping up to score in the corner. He will take a lot of stopping on Day 2.
Highest all time IRB Sevens points scorer, Ben Gollings from England
England were the other group winner.
They are the defending New Zealand 7s champions and this should not be forgotten. While it is not the strongest England side ever seen – and they are without their match winner from last year, Isoa Damudamu – they are clinical and capable of winning the tournament.
They also seem to have picked up additional input from ex-New Zealand sevens and All Black, Chris Masoe.
